“May I try reading them?” Devdan asked.
I stopped in my tracks and narrowed my eyes at him.
“Those are private.”
He rubbed his chin. “But I might be able to read between the lines. A fresh pair of eyes could help.” He raised his brows, making them look like double question marks asking for permission. “You said her letters were guarded. If she wrote them to go through her mate and Father, what would it hurt for me to take a look?”
I tapped my fingers against my thigh. Devdan made a fair point. And it wasn’t like I was headed through a portal to Faerie today—no thanks to Mr. Bilkin and his “some realms out of reach” travel shop.
“Fine,” I said.
Twenty minutes later, Devdan sat on the sofa with the stack of Aerith’s letters. “They’re in order?” he asked.
“No,” I said.
He sniffed in exasperation and without another word unfolded each piece of parchment and began arranging them in date order.
While he read, I paced around the cottage. At some point, it occurred to me to offer him sweetberry tea, but he declined. I paced some more, stealing glances at Devdan with his head bent over the letters in concentration. The only movement he made was when he turned a letter over or set it down and grabbed a new one. Watching him helped calm me, but I didn’t want to stand there staring like some kind of love dove, so I went back to flitting around from room to room. I tried tidying up so the cottage would be shipshape when I returned with Aerith. Really, all I was doing was moving objects from one location to another.
Ten hours later, or maybe just two, Devdan set the last letter on the pile and stretched his arms over his head.
“Well?” I asked, hurrying over.
“I’ll take that glass of sweetberry wine now,” he said.
I scowled. “I offered you tea.”
“Yeah, but that was in the morning. It’s afternoon now.” He grinned in his maddening way.
“So you didn’t learn anything new from the letters.”
“Oh, I learned a lot. I’m fairly certain I know who is responsible for kidnapping your sister.”
“What? Who?” I demanded.
Devdan got to his feet and stretched again, this time more languidly, like a damn cat. He lowered his arms, taking his time to answer. “My coins are on the brother-in-law, Leer-ee.” He leered at me as he said the name then chuckled.
“It’s not funny,” I said with a pout. “What makes you think it’s him?”
Devdan dropped his smile and began fishing through the stack of letters. “His name comes up frequently.” Devdan continued shuffling through the letters, eyes scanning over the parchment. He lifted one of the letters to his face and read aloud. “‘Cirrus arranged for Lady Dearing’s eldest daughter, Ialantha, to stay at the palace as a special guest during the harvest festival. He meant for Liri to woo her, but Liri scoffed as he always does when Cirrus tries to set him up. When Ialantha tried desperately to catch Liri’s eye at the harvest dance, Liri insisted I dance with him so that Ialantha would not be able to bother him.’” Devdan looked up and met my eyes as though he’d just shared something noteworthy.
“So, he danced with Aerith? He just wanted to get away from Ialantha.” I tried not to huff in frustration. Having Devdan read back missives I’ve already looked over wasn’t helping me solve anything.
He smirked at me as though charmed by my lack of understanding. Undeterred, he read from another letter. “‘With the extended family attending the winter ball, Cirrus and I decided it would be best for me to watch the festivities from a distance and keep an eye out for any odd behavior. When Liri found out, he raised a stink, as always, saying I was a princess, not a sentinel, and should be allowed to join in the dance. I tried to tell him I didn’t care, that I was perfectly content to observe from the sidelines, but Liri wouldn’t hear of it. Behind Cirrus’s back, he had his sister, Jastra, glamour herself to look like me and for me to look like a visiting young High Fae female. I wanted to inform Cirrus, but the winter ball had already started and I knew telling him would put him into a rage that would ruin everyone’s fun, including his own. The winter ball is one of Cirrus’s favorites. I even suspect Liri was trying to ruin it for him, and you know how much I like to prevent Liri from getting his way. The scoundrel did give me every assurance that Jastra would watch out for Cirrus far better than I, a mere elf, ever could. And yes, he said it just like that. Mere elf. He underestimates me. Cirrus trusts me to protect him, and I plan to until my dying breath.’”
I groaned and gripped my neck in a strangling motion. “Bleh.”
Devdan laughed, eyes shining, then continued reading. “‘Despite the glamour, I watched out for Cirrus all night, much to Liri’s disappointment. The following day, I told Cirrus what had happened, and we agreed it would be best for Liri to claim a mate and spend less time at the palace. I do so hope he finally deems a female acceptable. He’s trouble. A thorn in my side.’” Devdan lowered the letter. “He’s obsessed with her is what he is.”
“No, he’s not,” I said automatically, not because I was certain, but because I’d never come to that conclusion reading Aerith’s letters. I put my hands on my hips. “Maybe you’re the one who is obsessed with her.”
Devdan set the letters down on the trunk table before looking me up and down, a smile lingering on his lips. “I told you she’s not my type. I like redheads with sexy green-eyed glares.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“Just like that,” Devdan said, moistening his lips.
He could stop puckering up because I wasn’t about to kiss him, even if he might possibly have gleaned something from the letters I’d totally missed.
The parchment crinkled as Devdan flipped through the pages. “Letter after letter talks about Liri hounding Aerith to join in the dances and faerie fun.” Devdan snorted disdainfully. “He shows no interest in other females.”
“According to Aerith,” I said.
Devdan paused his shuffling of the letters to look up at me with raised brows.
“Who is a reliable and trustworthy source,” I hastened to add. “I think you’re right about Liri,” I acknowledged. “I remember Aerith telling me in one of her letters that he had twin guards who followed him around like shadows, almost as if it was his life that needed guarding more than Cirrus’s. I bet those were the same twins who approached me outside the market. I didn’t trust them from the start.” I wrinkled my nose.
“Yet you still sold them jewelry.” Devdan laughed, the skin around his eyes crinkling in humor.
My mouth flew open to yell at him, but he was already saying, “I would have done the same thing.”
I nodded, I had more important things to do than discuss whether it was ethical to sell necklaces to nefarious faerie guards.
“So, we know who’s most likely behind Aerith’s abduction, but I still don’t know how to get to Faerie.”
Devdan’s gaze became serious. “You can’t just show up there expecting to grab your sister and get out. The Fae have magic.”
“I have magic,” I said, calling flames to my fingers. I lifted my hand to give him a closer reminder of my powers.
Devdan shook his head. “What about the male you mentioned here in Pinemist—the one your sister intended to wed? Shouldn’t he go after her?”
“Jhaeros?” I snorted derisively. “Sure, he’ll just waltz on up to the palace gates and politely inquire after my sister.” I rolled my eyes. “He can’t help Aerith. He’d only get himself killed by her obsessive brother-in-law.”
“Glad we’re in full agreement about Liri.” Devdan grinned triumphantly.
I shrugged. “I don’t know what his deal is, but I don’t like it. He already killed at least one of his brothers.”
Devdan’s eyes bugged out of his head. “He murdered a member of his own family?”
“Yeah, just another Tuesday afternoon in Faerie.”
Devdan’s eyes remained wide. I’d had time to absorb
the shock after Aerith filled me in on what led to her early release from Faerie. I wasn’t a very good sister-in-law because I’d felt nothing short of ecstatic that Cirrus’s death had brought my sister home. I only wished he’d been poisoned sooner. It was after Aerith returned that I started hearing the darker aspects of life in the palace at Dahlquist. I’d listened with rapt attention to the details Aerith had left out of her letters.
Her letters had made it sound as though she and Cirrus were of one mind, but after her return, it had been clear she despised him. Well, maybe not despised. I certainly despised him. Aerith had resigned herself to him. Would she submit to Liri too?
No, I couldn’t believe it.
She’d entered an agreement with Cirrus on behalf of Father. What if Liri had made arrangements with Father? I wouldn’t put it past the bastard. If Father had anything to do with Aerith’s abduction, I might be tempted to consider family murder the way the Fae were known to do.
“I need to go to Sweetbell and speak to my father,” I said, hastening to the door.
Pits, I should have gotten a horse while I had the chance. I wanted to take off at a gallop for Sweetbell.
“I’ll go with you,” Devdan said, catching up to me easily with his long, smooth strides.
Before I could tell him he’d already helped and I could take it from there, a knock shook the front door.
Devdan and I looked at one another for half a heartbeat before drawing our weapons. I hadn’t noticed the dagger hidden beneath Devdan’s tunic. He held it ready at the same time I’d pulled out my sword.
“Who is it?” I demanded.
“It’s Deon,” came a youthful squeak.
“Who?” I asked, focused intently on the door.
“I’ve been instructed to deliver an announcement to all the homes in Pinemist.”
A messenger with an announcement for the whole town—that was rare. I sheathed my sword and opened the door. An elf of maybe fourteen years stood outside the door, clutching a cap in his hands.
Devdan stepped by my side, dagger still in his hands, staring mistrustfully at Deon.
“What’s your news?” I asked impatiently.
“There is to be a tournament tomorrow at midday in the glade,” he announced.
I narrowed my eyes. The Fae liked to hold tournaments when selecting brides from the elven realm. “A tournament for the Fae?” I demanded. This could be my ticket to Faerie.
Deon nodded.
Beside me, Devdan snarled. “How many brides do they intend to steal from us?”
The young male blinked. “It is not a bride they seek but two warriors to guard a Fae king’s fiancée.”
My heart skipped a beat. Could it be Aerith?
“Who is the fiancée? Is she an elf? What does she look like? What is her name?” With each question, I took a step toward Deon until I was in his face, gripping him by the shoulders.
His head bobbled as I attempted to shake the answers out of him. “I. Don’t. Know,” he said with each lurch.
I released him and scoffed with impatience. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. I will be competing regardless—and winning.”
The youth looked at me wide-eyed like he believed every word. He should. Winning the tournament was my ticket to Faerie. I wasn’t about to lose my best chance at reaching my sister.
Devdan pursed his lips and regarded Deon carefully. “Do you know who this Fae King is?”
“Oh yes. He visited Pinemist a couple years ago as a prince. The tournament is for King Liri of Dahlquist.”
My heart slammed against my chest. “King Liri?” I squeaked.
The young male nodded.
I spun around, facing Devdan, seeing the shock on his face as well.
When had Liri become king? More alarming still, how had he become king? And most frightening of all, did this mean Aerith was his fiancée? Had she succumbed, or had he forced her hand?
“I will win that tournament,” I growled. I only wished it was tonight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Aerith
Purple covers slid from my arms as I sat up and stretched on the first morning in my new room. I’d slept dreamlessly, as though drugged. Maybe the elixir had made me extra drowsy. At least I awoke free of any head or stomachache. I still felt slightly queasy, but I attributed it to another morning waking up in Faerie.
I walked to the end of my apartments to brush out my hair and select a frock for the day.
Once dressed in a midnight blue gown, I pushed open my door and strode into the hallway. Not surprisingly, one of Liri’s twin guards stood outside. Galather? I had a fifty-fifty chance of being right.
“Take me to Hensley’s room,” I commanded.
He sniffed at my order before grudgingly answering, “Follow me.”
We headed for the open hallway, and Galather stopped outside a narrow door. It was a fair distance from my own, but given how deep my apartments ran, Hensley’s room looked to be situated next door to mine.
Before I could knock, Galather stepped in front of me and pounded on the door. “Wake up, human. Your mistress beckons you.”
“That’s unnecessary,” I snapped, glaring at him. “And I can speak for myself.”
He folded his arms and grunted.
The brass knob turned as Hensley opened the door and peered tentatively into the hallway.
“May I come in?” I asked.
“Of course, Princess Aerith,” Hensley said, widening her door.
When Galather made to follow me inside, I blocked his path in the doorframe.
“Not you,” I said. “This is Hensley’s private quarters. You can wait in the hallway.”
Galather’s lips folded over when he frowned. I stepped inside the room and closed the door behind me.
The room didn’t lead off into adjoining apartments. It contained a single bed with a light purple quilt, similar in color to the dress she wore. A thick gray rug covered the stone floor below the bed. An armoire, dresser, and vanity lined the wall opposite her bed with large windows across from the door. Gray curtains had been pulled aside to let in the light.
It was sparse and simple yet cozy.
Now that we were alone, I inspected Hensley from head to foot. Despite Galather so rudely yelling for Hensley to wake up, she was dressed in a fresh lilac gown—a simple thin cotton frock with an empire waist. Her hair was neatly braided and her thick bangs smoothly combed.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
Appearances could be deceiving.
Hensley nodded. “I’m sorry if I spoiled your evening.”
“You didn’t spoil it. Sarfina did!” And Jastra. And Teryani. I was glad Liri could admit what terrors they were.
“Don’t worry about me.” Hensley smiled slightly. “I made it sound worse than it was so Sarfina would tire of tormenting me quicker.”
I put my hands on my hips. “Did she plague you this way while I was gone?” I hated to think of Sarfina toying with Hensley when the poor human didn’t have a single ally to speak up on her behalf.
She shook her head. “No. She ignored me after you left. They all did. Don’t worry about that.”
But I did worry. I worried Hensley had been better off without me. I was the real reason Sarfina had attacked her. If she weren’t my lady-in-waiting, Liri’s sisters would treat her with the same indifference they showed all the human help.
My frown had no effect on Hensley, who seemed to smile brighter. “The joke’s on Sarfina. After I left the ballroom, I took advantage of the empty halls to fetch you a surprise.” Eyes shimmering, Hensley hastened to her dresser, opened the bottom drawer, and tossed aside several layers of clothing before pulling out a dagger with a jeweled handle.
I hurried over and crouched beside her. “Where did you get that?” I whispered.
“Cirrus’s old room. King Liri hasn’t bothered to clean it out yet.” Hensley glanced at the door before dropping her voice. “I’ll sneak it into your room after the coast is clea
r.” She tucked the dagger back into her drawer, placing garments over the blade.
After she closed the drawer, I threw my arms around her so tightly we nearly fell over onto the floor from our crouched positions. We burst out laughing at the same time.
Hensley’s laughter was cut off when she said, “Just promise me you won’t use it against King Liri.”
The smile shriveled from my lips. “I promise,” I said. “I don’t believe he means me any harm.”
“I know he doesn’t,” Hensley said. “He wants to keep you safe, but his sisters are another matter.”
I knew that all too well.
A fist pounded at the door. I whirled around, imagining my glare chopping through wood to reach Galather. As Hensley started for the door, I hastened in front of her and opened the door for myself.
Galather stood rigid in the hallway. “Princess Aerith, King Liri requests your presence in his throne room.”
My heart jumped into my throat, blocking the flow of oxygen as my first fear played through my mind. I saw Liri asking—or rather commanding—me to marry him, to be his queen. I needed more time to figure my way out of this twisted maze.
My limbs turned to stone, locking me in place with the same immobility as a statue.
“I’ll come with you,” Hensley said behind me.
“Family only.” Galather said the words slowly as though Hensley was dimwitted.
I took Hensley’s hand in mine and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be fine.”
Without looking back, I followed Galather to the double doors leading through the open hall, past the lake, through the next set of doors, and into the palace’s wide main halls.
The throne room wasn’t a place I’d frequented during my marriage to Cirrus. When I followed Galather into the grand open room, I half expected to see Merith still sitting on his red-cushioned throne. The ceilings were as high as a cathedral. There were even stained-glass windows beaming down colored light with the rays of the sun.
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